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THE Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) has expressed strong objections to the recent proposal to raise consultation fees for general practitioners (GP), calling it an ill-timed move that could exacerbate affordability and access to healthcare in the country.
Dr Saravanan Thambirajah, FOMCA's secretary-general, stressed that before increasing consultation fees, regulatory reforms should be implemented to address the root causes of rising healthcare costs.
He argued that instead of focusing on higher fees, the government should prioritise measures to control and regulate private healthcare prices more effectively.
“Malaysia’s healthcare system is in disarray, with escalating costs, inconsistent service quality, and a lack of price transparency in the private sector,” Dr Saravanan remarked. He pointed out that the absence of stringent regulation on private healthcare pricing has left consumers vulnerable to arbitrary charges and inflated medication costs.
“The proposal to raise consultation fees at this time is deeply concerning,” he continued. “Rather than simply approving fee increases, the government should focus on reforming the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act (PHFSA) and other relevant regulations to ensure a fairer and more transparent system.”
On March 14, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) proposed that the consultation fees for general practitioners should be raised to a minimum of RM60, up from the current range of RM10 to RM35. According to MMA president, Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira, the proposed increase is warranted given the rising cost of living and inflation over the past 33 years, during which consultation fees have remained largely unchanged.
However, Dr Saravanan maintained that such a decision should not be made without first addressing several critical issues within the healthcare system. “Before considering any increase in consultation fees, the government must work towards standardising medical charges and preventing price manipulation within the private sector,” he said.
He also highlighted the urgent need for better regulation of medication pricing, enforcement of price transparency, and a stronger crackdown on overcharging and unethical practices. “Without these safeguards, any increase in fees will only exacerbate the financial strain on consumers, without necessarily improving the quality of services,” he cautioned.
Dr Saravanan further stressed that a thorough impact assessment should be conducted to gauge the financial effects of such a fee increase on different income groups, particularly the B40 and M40 communities. He pointed out that the timing of the proposal seemed dubious, coinciding with the government’s efforts to enforce the display of medicine prices in private healthcare facilities.
“The sudden call for an increase in consultation fees raises questions as to whether this is a reaction to the new price transparency measures, rather than a genuine need for fairer compensation for healthcare professionals,” Dr Saravanan stated.
He concluded that any proposed fee hike should not proceed until comprehensive regulatory reforms are introduced, private healthcare pricing is properly regulated, and an independent study is conducted to assess the potential impact on consumers.
“The government must ensure that any adjustments to healthcare costs genuinely benefit the public and do not simply serve the interests of industry players,” he asserted. “Without proper oversight, allowing such an increase now would only exacerbate existing inequalities in healthcare access and affordability.” – March 15, 2025
